Medicare Open Enrollment Scams and Pressure Tactics: What Is Real and What Is Not

Use this before you call.

Want to compare plans before December 7 without the pressure? Call GetFastRates.com and a licensed agent will go over your options.

Remember the real dates: open enrollment is October 15 to December 7, and changes start January 1.

Look for the Annual Notice of Change your current plan mailed you, and read what is changing.

Ignore any call or letter that says you must act today or lose coverage.

Compare plans with someone you contacted: a licensed agent, 1-800-MEDICARE or your State Health Insurance Assistance Program.

Never give a Medicare number or payment information to someone who called you.

If you do want to change plans, take your time and keep copies of what you sign.

The real deadlines

Medicare open enrollment is October 15 through December 7 each year. During that time you can join, switch or drop a Medicare Advantage or drug plan, and the change starts January 1. You are not required to switch, and your plan will not end just because you did not call anyone.

Pressure lines to ignore

Medicare's rules prohibit people representing plans from pressuring you to join by saying that you must join or you will not have coverage next year. These are the lines that come up.

'Your plan is being cancelled, call now to keep your doctors'
'Last chance to claim your benefit'
'You have to switch today to get the new card'
'This offer ends tonight'

Mail that looks official

Look-alike mailers with titles like 'Medicare Benefits Update' or 'Final Notice' often come from marketing companies, not from Medicare, Social Security or your plan. The real notice from your own plan is the Annual Notice of Change, which your plan sends before open enrollment starts. If you are unsure, call the number on your plan card.

Check the return address and whether the envelope names a specific plan.
Do not call the number on a mailer you did not expect before you have checked who sent it.

Comparing safely

You can compare plans with a licensed agent, with 1-800-MEDICARE or with your State Health Insurance Assistance Program. A good agent will ask what you need, show you plans and let you take time.

Common questions about this topic

What happens if I miss December 7?

Your current coverage generally continues. There are other times you can make changes in some situations, so call us or 1-800-MEDICARE before assuming you are stuck.

Can someone sign me up over the phone without my say?

Medicare's guidance says you should not join a plan over the phone unless you called and asked for help. If you think you were signed up without agreeing, call 1-800-MEDICARE right away.

Where do I find the real changes for my plan?

In your plan's Annual Notice of Change. Our guide on reviewing it can walk you through what to look for.

Related coverage articles

Medicare Advantage Annual Notice of Change ChecklistA checklist for reviewing your Medicare Advantage or Part D plan's Annual Notice of Change letter each fall before it auto-renews for the new year.Medicare Scams to Watch For: Calls, Texts, Mail and AdsThe most common Medicare scams, the red flags that show up every time, what real Medicare and real plans do, and where to report. Read this before you answer the next call.Someone Called to Sell You Medicare? What the Rules Say and What to DoMedicare plans and agents are generally not allowed to cold call you. Here is what they can and cannot do, how fake and robocalls work, and what to say and do when the phone rings.Medicare Plan Review ChecklistA simple checklist for reviewing doctors, prescriptions, premiums, networks, and out-of-pocket costs before choosing Medicare coverage.

Tools that can help

Medicare Enrollment Period CalculatorFind your Medicare enrollment window and what it means for your timing.Medicare Part B Late Enrollment Penalty CalculatorEstimate whether a Part B late enrollment penalty could apply to you.Medicare Plan Ending FinderCheck your carrier and ZIP code against current, verified plan-ending records.

Trusted public sources

These links are provided for general public information. They do not replace a personal coverage review.